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Important Dates:
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08/20- 1:00-3:00pm- Stallion Stampede
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08/24- First Day of School
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09/04-09/07- Holiday- Labor Day Break
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09/08 6:00pm- BTSN (Back to School Night)
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09/12- Rosh Hashanah
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09/21- Holiday- Yom Kippur
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10/12- Student Holiday (No School)- Indigenous Peoples' Day
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10/30- End of First Quarter
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11/02-Student Holiday- Teacher Workday
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11/03- Student Holiday- School Planning Day- Election Day
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11/08- Diwali
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11/25-11/27- Holiday- Thanksgiving Break
SCHS ATTENDANCE INFORMATION 2026-27
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2-Hour Advance Notice Required: All early dismissal requests must be submitted at least two hours in advance. We will no longer process last-minute phone calls or messages for immediate pickup. Please plan appointments accordingly, as requests failing to meet this lead time will not be honored.
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Illness & Clinic Protocol: If a student feels ill, they MUST report to the School Clinic. Students will only be dismissed for medical reasons after being evaluated by the clinic staff and checked out from that location.
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Official Office Check-Out: All students leaving early must physically check out through the Main Office. Any student who leaves campus without following this procedure will be marked with an unexcused absence.
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Attendance Corrections: If a student is marked UNV for a specific period due to lateness or a clerical error, the student must speak with that teacher directly. The teacher will then update the attendance or notify the attendance team. The Attendance Offices will not alter period-specific attendance without teacher verification.
These procedures are in place to ensure student safety and a focused learning environment. We thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain an accurate and secure campus.
Report a Full-Day Absence-The fastest way is to use ParentVUE.
Alternative Methods
Message from Dr. Khoshaba
Greetings SoCo families,
There’s something truly special about this time of year. I find myself feeling much the same way I do just before the winter holidays—eager, excited, and filled with anticipation for all that lies ahead. A new school year brings fresh opportunities, new connections, and countless moments of discovery, growth, and joy. I am so excited to welcome our students and families back and to begin what I know will be a memorable year of learning together. With that excitement in the air, here’s a look at what’s happening around our campus and across the county.
School Culture
Clean Sweep: Celebrating Our Custodians
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible custodial team for the tremendous amount of hard work they have put into preparing our building for the return of staff and students! One of my favorite things to share with them is that the comment I hear most often from visitors is just how clean and well cared for our school is—a reflection of the pride, dedication, and professionalism they bring to their work each and every day. To show our appreciation for all they do to make our school shine, we were delighted to host a special luncheon in their honor!
Devices Down, Learning Up!
FCPS has adopted a new Personal Electronic Communication and Device Policy to help keep the instructional day focused on learning. Under the policy approved by the Fairfax County School Board on July 16, 2026, students may not use personal electronic or computing devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and personal laptops, during the instructional day and should use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities. Exceptions are available when a personal device is required as part of a student’s IEP or Section 504 Plan, or when I approve a limited exception for a specialized course requiring technology or software unavailable on an FCPS-issued device. Thank you for partnering with us to create an environment where our students can stay focused, engaged, and ready to learn!
Stay in the Know!
For our parents of seniors, all dates and reminders for the class of 2027 are available on our website. Simply go here to see what we have updated so far, and as more information becomes available, we’ll make additional updates.
Mark Your Calendars, Stallions!
We’re excited to welcome our new Stallion to school! Students new to SoCo are invited to our Stallion Stampede on Thursday, August 20, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. in the Auditorium, followed by a Q&A session from 3:00–4:00 p.m. for families who would like to learn more about our new Evidence-Based Grading policy. Then, be sure to join us for Back to School Night on Tuesday, September 8, from 6:00–7:30 p.m., when parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to meet their student’s teachers and get a glimpse of the exciting learning experiences ahead this year. We look forward to seeing you at SoCo and kicking off another fantastic year together!
As we begin this exciting new school year, thank you for your continued partnership, enthusiasm, and support of our students and staff. Together, we’re building a school community filled with pride, purpose, and possibility. Here’s to an incredible year ahead—because we’re not just SoCo, we’re SoCool!
 S. Kambar Khoshaba, Ed.D.
Proud Principal
South County High School
Parking Passes 2026–2027 School Year
Effective Monday, Aug 3rd, 2026 at 9:00am, the online student parking permit portal for 2026-2027 will be active for students with a valid driver’s license who wish to apply to park on school grounds. The first 129 spaces have been designated as the "senior lot" and are reserved ONLY for seniors on a first come basis. A current school year parking placard is required to park on school grounds. Please note that parking fees are non-refundable and students with outstanding school fines or fees, including library fines, may NOT receive a parking pass until such obligation(s) have been cleared with the finance office.
The student parking application for the 2026-2027 school year remains a two-step process wherein step 1 you will register the vehicle(s) (*PLEASE USE A PERSONAL E-MAIL ADDRESS ONLY) and in step 2 you will make a payment. You must complete the entire sequence to properly register and pay for the permit. Please follow the steps below, which are the following:
- STEP 1 - Students complete an online Rydin parking application (PLEASE USE A PERSONAL E-MAIL ADDRESS ONLY) and retain the assigned sales order number as it is required to make payment in the next step.
- STEP 2 - Please make sure your payment is for Student Parking.
- STEP 3 - Passes distribution schedule:
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Rising Seniors ONLY will be allowed to pick up a parking pass on Aug. 17th and 18th after registring. The 123 Senior Lot spaces are purchased on a first-come, first-served basis, so we cannot guarantee a spot in the Senior Lot even if you purchase on one of these two dates.
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Rising Juniors will be allowed to pick up their parking pass beginning on Aug. 20th and through the rest of that week after registring.
- Parking passes will remain available for purchase throughout the school year as students obtain their driver’s licenses. Passes may be purchased during lunches at the Security Office near Door 1.
Parking fees are as follows: $200 dollars for the year, $150 for the 2nd quarter, $100 for the 3rd quarter, and $50 for the 4th quarter.
Students with a free or reduced waiver have a different approval process and should ONLY complete Step 1 and come to the Security Office to present supporting documentation and make payment (cash/check) starting August 17th.
Keep In Mind:
- You will not be allowed to purchase a parking pass if you owe money for fines or fees from the previous school year.
- Students eligible for a reduced parking fee through FRM should bring documentation of eligibility at the time of purchase. Documentation will be reviewed confidentially.
- Students enrolled in the TSRC program are required to purchase a parking pass if they wish to park on school property.
If you have any questions, please contact Tom Champ (Safety & Security) at twchamp1@fcps.edu.
Free and Reduced Price Meals!
Apply Today for Free and Reduced Price Meals!
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals receive breakfast and lunch at school at no cost.
Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Access the application and view criteria on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage
Students who were approved for free and reduced-price meals last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Support Your Child’s Success by Checking SIS ParentVUE
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. Contact Mrs. Gibson if you need a code.
Once you have activated a SIS ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same SIS ParentVUE account. You may also access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
Required Immunizations for Rising 12th Graders
Several immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grades.
- All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations before the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria, the Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
- To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age seven or older.
- To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- Parents/guardians may choose for their child to not receive the HPV vaccination. Documentation is not required to opt out of the HPV vaccination.
- All students entering 12th grade are required to receive one dose of the MenACWY vaccine before the beginning of school.
- To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 16 or older.
As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.
Where to Receive Immunizations
If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your family’s health care provider or one of the following clinics:
FCHD offers limited walk-in hours for immunization services on a first-come first served basis. Immunizations are also available by appointment.
- Inova Cares Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs provide children ages 5 and up with free school physicals and immunizations. Weekday and weekend clinics are available in July and August. These health fairs are for VA Medicaid or Uninsured Inova registered patients only. Appointments are required. Call 703-698-2550 to make an appointment. Bring vaccine records to the appointment.
Local immunization clinics and additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and from the FCHD.
Secondary Grading Updates
There will be new secondary grading policies in 2026-27. The goal of these changes is to increase consistency and clarity of grading practices. Learn about high school grading policy updates. This link goes to last year, so see if you can find one for the 2026-27 year.
Student Rights and Responsibilities - Signature
Every year, FCPS requires parents/guardians to review, sign, and return the SR&R parent/guardian signature page acknowledging awareness of online access to and/or the opportunity to receive a printed copy of the FCPS SR&R Guide for Families.
When available, you can complete this requirement through your ParentVUE account in the Online Verification Account packet (see above). Upon login to your ParentVUE account, you will be prompted immediately to complete the SR&R signature page. Note that your name in the digital signature box must match the parent/guardian’s first and last name in SIS exactly before the signature will be accepted. The prompt will repeat in ParentVue until the signature page has been completed.
Students will review this year’s SR&R through their Advisory class (4th period) within the first two weeks of school.
We will make families aware of when these forms become available for your review and acknowledgement.
Please take a moment to review the FCPS Student Right and Responsibilities and log into ParentVUE to access and complete the SR&R Parent Signature Page.
If you would rather print out and sign the SR&R signature page, you can access it here. You can either return it to the main office or scan it and email to ccgibson@fcps.edu.
Additional information about the SR&R can be found on the FCPS website.
Bus Schedules
All parents/guardians should receive an eNotify email message directly from Fairfax County Public Schools Office of Transportation during the week of August 10, 2026. That email will provide details on the transportation intent process for families and how to access transportation assignments for students. Transportation assignments will become available that week, and changes may be made up to August 14, 2026.
All parents should access their SIS ParentVue account to ensure the Transportation Intent for each student is accurate. Through your SIS ParentVue account, you can see your child’s transportation assignments and intent on the “Student Info” tab. If adjustments are needed, click on “Edit Information” to make changes to your Transportation Intent. All students eligible for transportation services will be provided transportation unless the parent has stated ‘NO’ to the Transportation Intent.
Please contact the transportation office if you have any questions about accessing your student bus information.
Late buses will run on Wednesday afternoons and will start on Wednesday, September 2nd and the last day they run will be Wednesday, June 2.
The late bus schedule will be posted outside of the Security Office and on the South County School page on Schoology. Students can also find their bus number on StudentVUE.
Arrival and Dismissal Information and Traffic Patterns
Student Arrival and Dismissal
The building will be accessible to students starting at 7:30 am.
Dismissal is at 2:55 pm. Students are asked to leave the building at the end of the day unless they are being supervised by an adult. Any student who wishes to stay after school must be in the supervision of a staff member.
Traffic Patterns at Arrival and Dismissal
All drivers on campus are expected to follow all traffic/roadway laws and driving patterns established. This ensures the safety of all and maximizes the efficiency of our traffic pattern. Please follow all posted signs and directions of staff.
The first week of school, traffic is traditionally heavier than normal. In addition, because of our new Weapons Detection Screening (see below for details), students should anticipate a slightly longer period of time to enter the building. Therefore, please allow additional time if you are driving your student to school and/or your student is driving themselves to school.
South County High School strives to maintain positive relationships with our surrounding neighbors. To that end, we ask that everyone respects private property while walking to and from school. In addition, no neighborhoods or surrounding streets should be used as kiss-and-ride drop off or pick-up locations. This practice severely impacts our neighbors and their daily schedules.
Kiss and Ride Pickup
When dropping off or picking up students, please follow the designated traffic pattern outlined below. Do not park in any on-campus spots during arrival or dismissal if you are dropping off or picking up. We have two designated Kiss and Ride locations: one at Door 12 and another at the Bubble in the student parking lot. Both can be accessed from Laurel Crest Drive. To ensure a smooth and safe traffic flow, we ask that all student drop-offs occur only at these two locations. Stopping elsewhere in the lot has caused significant delays in the past.
Weapons Detection Screener
As part of the ongoing commitment to strengthening layered safety and security programs, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will continue to use a weapons detection system at all secondary schools this fall.
Please watch this vid | 
